Strasbourg Cathedral's millennial

"A prodigy of the gigantesque and the delicate", as Victor Hugo claimed.

Strasbourg Cathedral is an absolute masterpiece of Gothic art. The 142 m high spire looks incredibly lightweight and made the Cathedral the highest edifice in all Christianity until the 19th century. Three high-spots make the visit unforgettable. Outside, the facade is the greatest "book" of images the Middle Age has to offer. Hundreds of sculptures stand out from the wall accentuating the effects of shadow and light. The colour of the red sandstone changes throughout the day depending on the colour of the sky. In the summer evenings, the illuminated scenography is an enchantment. Inside, the long aisle inspires peace and reflection. The 12th- to 14th-century stained-glass windows and the rose window are not to be missed. The monumental organ has a remarkable cabinet decorated with automated figures.

The astronomical clock built in the Renaissance period and mechanism dating back to 1842 is a masterpiece in itself, where the procession of apostles can be admired every day at 12:30 p.m.

The start of construction work began in 1015 until-1439 with a long history including partial destructions, looting, reformation and revolution, Strasbourg Cathedral has gone from being a Catholic cathedral to a Protestant building and later a temple of reason during the French Revolution.

Many clergymen have taken their place on the “stone lace” pulpit carved by Nikolaus Hagenauer, but the most remarkable aspect of all here is certainly the building itself. A timeless monument, it stands as an eternal symbol of the city and the region.

Therefore, this year is the millennium of the cathedral. The millennial festival which will be held between September 2014 and September 2015 will celebrate the construction of this building, the planning for which began 1000 years ago. The event programme includes some 150 major events including an amazing new sound and light show worthy of this special occasion.